Kris Roe, second from left, formed The Ataris in Anderson, Ind. but found success with the band in Southern California in the early 2000s.

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Although Indiana native Kris Roe earned a gold record for selling more than 500,000 copies of 2003 album "So Long, Astoria," he says his musical goals were fulfilled when he first played music "in front of a room of 20 people."

The popularity of the Ataris - Roe's band for nearly two decades - has endured its share of peaks and valleys, leaving the singer-guitarist with a practical perspective on artistic success.

"I'm just out to write some songs," Roe said during a phone interview. "It's really great when people say they relate to them." ...